"In recognition that many veterans return to civilian life with significant physical and mental trauma, which may contribute to their involvement with the criminal justice system, the court takes the responsibility for ensuring that veterans receive the treatment they need. By providing a specialized docket, our focus is to increase the veteran’s chance of success."

The program offers veterans who are facing misdemeanor offenses the chance to avoid jail through diversion to government and community support services, including treatment and mentoring.

At the graduation ceremony, Judge Charles Patton, Jr., who presides over the Docket, stated that:

"It's our duty as fellow countrymen to take care of each other."

Click here for a Plain Dealer article containing more information about the graduation ceremony.